Online Reporter
Trust Khosa-Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
ALICK MACHESO’S camp and the music fraternity are devastated following the death of Orchestra Mberikwazvo backing vocalist and drummer Barnabas “Barna” Mandipota on Sunday.
The 35-year-old, who left behind four children and a pregnant wife, died after a short illness. He had complained of a toothache.
Following his death, glowing tributes have been pouring in for Barna, as he was fondly known in music circles.
Orchestra Mberikwazvo spokesperson Tichaona Makahamadze said they were still coming to terms with Barna’s death.
“It is hard to accept that he is gone just like that, but there is nothing we can do,” Makahamadze stressed.
“Last Thursday he came (to rehearsal), but we excused him since he was unwell with a toothache. We did not travel with him to Mutare because he was receiving treatment in Chitungwiza. Barna even told us that he was responding well to medication, and we thought he would soon rejoin the band for future assignments. We were all shocked after hearing that Barna was no more, and it is hard to take.”
Makahamadze said they will ensure Barna receives a decent burial befitting the top musician he was.
“We are also playing our part as a band since we worked together well, but the family is leading us. We never had challenges with him; he was a professional who thoroughly enjoyed his job. He was punctual and versatile, as you saw during most of our shows. Barna was a good drummer, dancer and a phenomenal backing vocalist, who could warm the stage before Baba Sharo appeared, and we will surely miss him,” Makahamadze said. He added: “Regarding the burial arrangements, we are waiting for paperwork to be completed, and we are being guided by his family on the updates. We hope to give him a befitting send-off and it is my hope that all will go according to plan.”
Family spokesperson and Barna’s elder brother, Fastmove Mandipota, said they were busy with paper-work and were hoping to bury him in Bikita.
“We are still at the hospital awaiting post-mortem results, then we will hold a service and take his body to our rural home in Bikita where burial has been provisionally set for Wednesday (tomorrow) if all goes according to plan,” the brother said.
“We will be guided by the family as we want to give him a decent burial. Fans and friends have been showing us true love by commiserating with us since we announced his death.”
He expressed sorrow that Barna has left a young family behind. “He is survived by four children, the eldest aged 10 years. Barna’s wife is also pregnant, so you can see the additional challenge we now have as a family.
“It’s painful to see people die, but there is nothing we can do about it.”
National Arts Council of Zimbabwe (NACZ) spokesperson Agga Nyabinde also shared heartfelt condolences with the Mandipota family and the Orchestra Mberikwazvo camp.
“As the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe, we are deeply saddened by the passing of Barnabas Mandipota, and we commiserate with his family, Alick Macheso and the entire Orchestra Mberikwazvo family.
“We are praying that they find comfort from the Lord, our healer. He was still young with plenty to offer, but in life there are some things we don’t have control over,” Nyabinde said.
Somandla “Mafia” Ndebele, who identified Barna in Kadoma where he used to stay with his mother and auditioned him, was equally devastated by the loss.
“To me, he was more like a son from the day we picked him up in Kadoma and worked with him for four to five years,” recalled the Denda Brothers leader.
“He was a talented musician who was equally good as a drummer, backing vocalist and dancer. I recorded two albums — “Ndipei Nguva” in 2011 and “Zvemberi Makasi’ — before he left to join Mark Ngwazi. We remained in touch even after he left my band, since he would come for recordings and other live shows. When he joined Alick Macheso, I also gave him my blessings.”
Several musicians, arts promoters and friends have been sending glowing tributes for Barna, who was hailed as a talented musician.
